close-up picture of female eyes with alternative makeup look
@eyesrodgers

The new 2023 year is just around the corner. Wondering what makeup trends it holds? Instead of gathering up classic makeup trends, I decided to focus my attention on their alternative antagonists. Besides, alternative makeup trends can be a fun way to express oneself, experimenting with different looks. So, here are the top 10 alt makeup trends we all should embrace in the coming year. Enjoy and get inspired!

a portrait of a young woman with a cool, alternative makeup look
@beautsoup

#1. Alt Makeup Trend: Colorful Eyeliner


The colorful eyeliner trend is a makeup trend that involves using colorful eyeliners to create bold, vibrant looks. Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg in Ipsy's article mentioned that we are going to see this trend everywhere in 2023. 

This trend involves using eyeliner in shades of bright colors such as pink, purple, green, blue, and orange to line the eyes, either on the top or bottom lash lines, or both. You'll be able to create a variety of different alternative makeup looks, from playful and fun to bold and dramatic with the help of a few different eyeliner products and a fine synthetic brush.

selfie of Victoria De Angelis from MÃ¥neskin Rock band with smokey eye makeup lookVictoria De Angelis

#2. Alt MAkeup Trend: Smokiest Smoky Eyes


The next alt trend needs no introduction. Smoky eyes are one of the most popular makeup styles, which is going to look even more dramatic in the new year. It can be achieved with a little bit of practice and a few basic makeup products: black eye kohl and a few different eyeshadow colors. The two main secrets of the look are good eyeshadow primer and blending.
 
a portrait of a young woman with a cool, alternative makeup look and dark lip liner
@evyxo_

#3. Alt Makeup Trend: Dark Lip Liner


Tired of tedious rose and nude shades? Then the next makeup trend will soothe your alternative soul! Dark lip liner is a makeup trend that involves using a lip liner in a deep shade, such as red, purple, or black, to outline and define the lips. Make sure to exfoliate and moisturize your lips to achieve the best results with this makeup trend.

a portrait of a young woman with a cool, alternative makeup look and over-the-top eyeliner lip liner
@color.cree

#4. Alt Makeup Trend: Over-the-Top Eyeliner


Bold eyeliner is a go-to look for many alternative babes. You can take this trend even further, extending the liner beyond the natural shape of the eye. Don't let classic eyeliner colors stop you. Electric blue, crimson red, and pure white colors go well with this alternative makeup trend. For a more dramatic look, you can also apply a bold eyeshadow color to your eyelid and blend it into your crease and outer corner. 

a portrait of a young woman with a cool, alternative makeup look and heavy brush
@brittnymakeup

#5. Alt Makeup Trend: Aggressive Blush


The "Clean Girl" Look will stay trendy in the coming year. Contrary to the radiant, slightly blushed skin, the aggressive blush trend grows in popularity. I like to believe it was born as an alternative to the clean girl aesthetic. The heavy blush look can be achieved with cream, powder, or liquid blush. Pair it with minimal eye and lip makeup for a balanced look.

a portrait of a young woman with a cool, alternative makeup look and graphic accents on her face

#6. Alt Makeup Trend: Eye-catching Accents


Sometimes all you need to leave an impression is a few small details. The next alternative makeup trend involves placing small, evenly spaced accents of eyeliner along the upper and lower lash lines and all over the face. These accents can be differently shaped and sized, done with rhinestones or even a bold lip look

For a more dramatic look, you can create larger graphic shapes or use a deeper shade of liner. You can also mix and match different shades of the liner to create a custom color that suits your skin tone and personal style.

a portrait of a young woman with a cool, alternative makeup look and bleached eyebrows@uglybeige

#7. Alt Makeup Trend: Bleached Eyebrows


Love them or hate them, bleached eyebrows aren't going anywhere! This makeup trend ideally goes with most alternative styles, adding uniqueness to the face. However, bleaching your eyebrows can be a risky process. Harsh chemicals can damage your hair and skin. 

It's important to follow the instructions on the bleach kit carefully and to conduct a patch test to ensure that you are not allergic to the bleach. If you are unsure about bleaching your eyebrows, it is always best to seek the advice of a professional hairstylist.

a portrait of a young woman with a cool, alternative makeup look and vinyl lip look
@Isabelleikpeme

#8. Alt Makeup Trend: High-Shine Lips


High-shine lips or vinyl lips are a versatile makeup trend that involves creating a glossy, high-shine finish on the lips using a lip product with a vinyl-like finish. My personal favorites – are black or cherry-red glossy lips. But the natural lip color, covered with a coat of shiny lip gloss also looks fabulous. Plus it is more wearable. Achieve the vinyl lip look with lip gloss or liquid lipstick.

a portrait of a young woman with a cool, fantasy makeup look and@meicrosoft

#9. Alt Makeup Trend: Fantasy Vibe


Fantasy makeup is a creative and expressive form of makeup that is inspired by mythical creatures, fantastical worlds, and otherworldly themes. This trend is often characterized by bold, vibrant colors, intricate designs, and exaggerated features, and is often achieved using a variety of makeup products, such as eyeshadow, liner, glitter, and face paint. The hardest thing about this alternative makeup trend – choosing a theme or inspiration that speaks to you.

a portrait of a young woman with a cool, alternative makeup look and glossy eyelids
@peachflux

#10. Alt Makeup Trends: Glossy Eyelids


Glossy eyelid is a famous makeup trend that is going to stay popular in 2023. Your alt makeup look will definitely benefit from its dewy, youthful appeal.  You can use shiny lip gloss to create a glossy effect on your eyelids. Simply apply a small amount of gloss to your eyelids using a brush or your finger, and blend it out for a seamless finish.

Summing Up...

Alternative makeup trends are styles and techniques that deviate from traditional or mainstream beauty standards. Instead of focusing on everyday norms, alt makeup trends often focus on self-expression and creativity. There are no strict rules on achieving a certain makeup look. Hopefully, in the new year, we all can learn something from the trend I mentioned above. Maybe some of us will feel courageous to try something new?